Two Harbors Folk Festival

I had a blast! Excellent musicians, great company and weather that was so North Shore. The best thing I saw...the Flaming Seamus'. They are three young men, teens, playing Irish music. They were great because each member was able to maintain and promote their individual talent and interest musically while being almost tenderly loyal to the others individual drive style and message. This is a discription of the best bands I have seen. Each one dedicated to their own excellence. Supported in that by the others. And supportive of the other's excellence. That way talent and even genius can thrive.

This is my hope with every musical endeavor I undertake. To work with others who are working on their greatness while I work on mine. It's easy then.

I reccomend this festival.

Taking time to enjoy.

While the summer has been crazy so far with lots of gigs, travel, and extra kids to tend to, I have made a point of relaxing. My sister Amy took this photo in Indiana where my sisters and their families and our parents were able to take a few days lounging at sister Heidi's lake place.
I am thankful that I have opportunities to do the work I love (performing, teaching, and mothering) . But it is really important to sit back, take the time to look at the hard work you have done and enjoy it. That's turtle medicine to me.

Summer Solstice

I had the honor of performing at the Earth House Summer Solstice Gathering in Wisconsin. More info a http://karitauring.com/June05.htm. It never ceases to amaze me, when I do the traditional Nordic material, how many people have genetic memory reactions. Every time I sing "Rida Ranka" someone comes up and says "oh my mother used to sing that" or "my grandpa would let us ride his crossed leg like a horse when he sang that song" or "wow...I feel I know this from somewhere." It's the same when I sing or say the Norwegian table prayer - I Jesu Navn. It was no different at this gathering.

And the Staving! Wow. You know, every culture has a roots rythm. In the Nordic Tradition of women's shammanism we used herding sticks to pound out the rythm of our souls. I loved watching the Earth House participants really cutting loose on the stavs!!

It was magikal for everyone and I would reccomend folks check it out for next year!

Now's the Time

I am happy to start my blog tonight. Having been ahead of the game when David de Young was hosting minnesotamusic.com, I will try to find the Musings of the Muse pages from back then. Until later.
Kari